Iron Supplementation May Help Children With ADHD

Thursday, December 9th 2004

Iron deficiency may contribute to the physiopathology of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to the results of a controlled group comparison study published in the December issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. Iron supplementation may benefit this population.

"Iron deficiency has been previously considered a potent cause of poor cognitive impairment, learning disability, and psychomotor instability," writes Eric Konofal, MD, PhD, from Robert Debrï Hospital in Paris, France, and colleagues. "[I]ron deficiency could lead to ADHD symptoms in relationship with central dopaminergic dysfunction."

In the study, the investigators found that serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in children with ADHD (n = 53; mean age, 9.2) compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 27; mean age, 9.5) with mild reading disabilities.

Serum ferritin levels were also abnormally low (< 30 ng/mL) in a significantly greater proportion of children with ADHD compared with control subjects (84% vs 18%; P < .001).

"Only the cognitive subscore correlated significantly with low ferritin levels," the authors note. "This correlation suggests that the iron-deficient children are mainly inattentive and distractable and suffer from learning disabilities, a finding consistent with the role of iron deficiency in cognitive defects and mental retardation.

"[I]ron supplementation could be considered a first-line treatment for children with ADHD and iron deficiency," the authors conclude, adding that such therapy may improve central dopaminergic activity and decrease the need for psychostimulants.

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Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional. If you require additional information you can contact the Ideal Health naturopathic team on 0800 HEALTH or email naturopath@healthy.co.nz